Update Video
GEORGE NEWS & VIDEOS - The young boy (8) who was involved in the latest incident on the Voëlklip road in Herold's Bay, walked more than two kilometres on his own in the blazing sun to find help after his mother (34) and sister (2) went over the cliff in their Fiat 500 last Thursday, 21 January.
"This is where I found him. Right here," said Herold's Bay local Anton Gerber, pointing at the spot where he picked up the young boy next to the road. "He was injured and kept holding onto his ribs in pain."
Gerber and his grandsons were on their way to the Voëlklip viewpoint when they came across the injured boy.
"He was crying, while asking for help and told me that his mother and sister were in the sea. At first I was confused and didn't know what he meant. I thought maybe they were washed off the rocks into the sea. It was only when he took me to where the vehicle went over the cliff that I realised what had happened," he said.
Watch a video (in Afrikaans) below:
The boy took Gerber to the same place where Heidi Scheepers and her children went over the edge in October 2019. This viewpoint on the Voëlklip road, known as Hansie se bank, is one kilometre before you reach the Voëlklip viewpoint that overlooks Herold's Bay.
"I looked over the edge and could see his mother's body as well as parts of the car wreck floating in the ocean."
Gerber immediately phoned his daughter, Charmaine Jansen van Rensburg, who in turn phoned the police.
"When I arrived on the scene I gave the boy a big hug and held him. He was shaking and crying uncontrollably. He had dirt and some injuries to his face and body," she said." I wish I can just give him another hug and find out how he is doing. This incident has had a major impact on myself and my family. I can't imagine what he and his father must be going through."
The boy's father was at work when the incident occurred. He was later contacted by the police and arrived on scene shortly afterwards.
The boy was transported to hospital by ER24 paramedics. He has since been discharged from hospital and is back in the care of his father.
By this morning, Wednedsday 27 January, the little girl was still not found. The search continues.
Anton Gerber, who came across the young boy on the road to Voëlklip, and his daughter, Charmaine Jansen van Rensburg. Photos: Kristy Kolberg
The road to Voëlklip
Tongues have been wagging after the latest incident on the Voëlklip road. Some feel that the road needs to be closed while others feel that this is unnecessary and that barriers along the road will suffice. Road signs to warn people were put up about three months ago and since last Thursday, meetings regarding the road have been held with various role players to determine what the next step should be.
Watch a video below of drone footage of the area:
* Video courtesy of Wynand Britz, local drone pilot
A member of the Herold's Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association, Ken Field, says it would be very sad if they indeed decide to close the road.
"Voëlklip has the most beautiful views and local and foreign visitors come here daily. The road is not, as people claim, 'dangerous'. If you drive properly you will always be safe. The incidents happen when people make decisions."
By this morning, the police did not have permission from the father to release the identities of the deceased.
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